Koval is the first small batch distillery in Chicago since the dark days of the prohibition era, and one of the leading craft distilleries in the US. It was founded in 2008 by Robert and Sonat Birnecker who abandoned their academic careers to follow their hearts. Growing up, Robert lived near Salzburg, Austria, and was immersed in a culture of small batch distilling, so perhaps this is destiny. For those of us who love great Spirits, it is just good luck for us!

The distillery supports sustainable agriculture and is certified as both organic and kosher—there’ll be no outsourcing for these kids. In eight short years they have expanded their miracle-working to … geez, just about everything from Gin, to Whiskey, to Liqueurs, and a bunch of other fiddly things, all of them professionally crafted and tasty-good. In fact, they are rated as one of the top ten small-batch distilleries in the US.

Koval Four Grain is made of oat, malted barley, rye, and wheat. heavy-charred American Minnesota Oak White oak. A type of wood with a tighter grain pattern yielding a smooth Whiskey with a unique and distinct banana essence. Coupled with that smoothness and spice, it’s sort of like drinking a Bananas Foster made with Rye Whiskey.

Koval Rye is produced from 100% organic rye sourced from a local organic farmer collective in the Midwest. Aged from 18-24 months in 30-gallon, new charred oak barrels, this single grain Whiskey is not only pure rye, it's surprisingly light and fresh on the tongue. Rather than a kick, there's just a kiss of spice on the finish.

Koval Bourbon starts with corn and then finishes off the mash bill with millet and the result is unlike any other Bourbon we’ve tasted so far with a fruit-forward character that compliments the sweetness of the corn. Everything else is just how you want it … new oak casks, proper aging, etc. Some folks talk a good innovation game, but Koval brings the small-batch and single-barrel goods.

Koval is really garbage and this rating makes me think all the other ratings are incorrect somehow... I have personally thought that this whiskey is worse than some detergents. Reference LA whiskey society- some of the most knowledgeable whisk(e)y drinkers also call this stuff terrible. Whoever enjoys this stuff must have a palate of a college student.
http://www.lawhiskeysociety.com/whiskey-profile/3995/Koval-Single-Barrel-Bourbon-
D or F rated liquid.

Jaime,
Nov 5, 2017

Ngjhgglmam

Lorenzo,
Oct 18, 2017

Koval does an amazing job with all three whiskeys. Four grains amazing with ice, well rounded. The bourbon has great sweet caramel and vanilla notes. The Rye is sharp clean and would be perfect in a Rye Old Fashion. Overall, Koval knows how to make a good whiskey! Will have to try their other expressions very soon!